
Hotel Narcea
★★★
★ 9.1/10 (2,444 reviews)
less than 1 km away as the crow flies
Dive centre · Alicante · Spain
4.6783 Google reviewsExplore the protected biodiversity of Isla Tabarca, Spain's first marine reserve, with a professional team established since 1986.
For subtitles in English: start the video firstthen click the gearat the top right of the video, select “Subtitles/CC”, then “Auto-translate” and choose “English”.
SCUBAELX is situated in Santa Pola, serving as a gateway to the waters surrounding Isla Tabarca. This area holds significant importance for Mediterranean divers, having been designated as Spain's first Marine Reserve in 1986. The protected status of the island ensures a level of biodiversity and water quality that is rare in the region.
The centre operates year-round, taking advantage of the favourable local climatology. Whether you are looking to complete your initial certifications or are an experienced diver seeking guided explorations of the reserve, the location provides consistent access to the reef and surrounding seabed.
The centre is a PADI affiliated diving operation with a long-standing presence in the area, having been established in 1986. The team focuses on practical training and safety within the protected environment of the Tabarca marine reserve.
Instruction covers the full spectrum of PADI progression, including Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster levels. For those looking to extend their bottom time or technical capabilities, Nitrox training is also available on-site.
Beyond scuba diving, the centre operates as a multi-service nautical hub. They provide navigation courses, such as the Licencia de Navegación and Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo, alongside a dedicated workshop for engine and vessel maintenance.
The training programme is comprehensive, catering to everyone from those taking their first breaths underwater to professional-level candidates. PADI courses offered include Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, and Rescue Diver.
For divers looking to progress their careers, Divemaster training is available. The centre also provides specialised training in Nitrox and Apnea (freediving) to broaden your diving repertoire.
The centre provides water taxi services to Tabarca, with a transit time of approximately 15 minutes from Santa Pola. For divers looking for more autonomy, boat rentals are available, including vessels equipped with 200hp motors.
A full range of diving equipment is available for hire, including masks, snorkels, fins, and complete kit sets. The centre also offers retail services for those looking to purchase their own equipment.
Nitrox is available for divers looking to optimise their decompression profiles during excursions to the reserve.
Isla Tabarca is the primary destination, offering dives for all levels within a protected marine reserve. The area is known for its high biodiversity and easy accessibility by boat from the mainland.
And some of the dive sites the centre runs.
The marine life in the Tabarca reserve is defined by the presence of large, iconic species. You can regularly encounter groupers stationed around the reefs and rocky structures.
The seabed and rocky outcrops support a variety of fixed life that provides colour and structure to the dives. This includes various sponges and other Mediterranean reef organisms that thrive in the protected waters of the reserve.
The biodiversity of the area makes it a reliable location for spotting a range of Mediterranean species throughout the year.
The local climatology allows for diving excursions throughout the entire year. Water temperatures typically range between 14°C and 28°C depending on the season.
Hello, I'm Marina, DivingDeal.com's AI assistant. I answer in detail about hotels, dive centres and liveaboards.

Thinking about the whole trip and the flights? Talk it over with Edith →
Marina is an AI. Some links are affiliate links: DivingDeal may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Bookings are made with the partner.